New surf contest rules proposed by the city Department of Parks and Recreation received vocal opposition Wednesday at a public hearing in Haleiwa.

Approximately 40 people attended the hearing at the Sunset Beach Recreation Center.

Some of those who testified were upset that the proposed calendar has too few events for bodysurfers or women. Others complained that the rules cater to contest organizers instead of trying to attain a balance between organizers and recreational surfers.

Pro surfer Tamayo Perry, who spoke on behalf of recreational surfers, opposed a proposed provision that would allow organizers to stretch competition days by splitting them into half days. Under the proposed rules, a surf event awarded one competition day, for example, could be held over two half-days as long as the event does not exceed eight hours.

Stretching the competition leaves minimal days for recreational surfers to enjoy the waves on the North Shore, Perry said.

Randy Rarick, executive director of the Triple Crown, testified that he would like to see permits granted at least one year in advance for contest organizers.

Currently, the parks department sets the calendar by Aug. 31, giving organizers whose contests are held early in the calendar little time to organize and seek sponsorship, said Carol Anne Philips.

Contests on the North Shore are permitted from Sept. 1 through April 30.

Some who attended the hearing complained they found out about the meeting Wednesday morning.

Pro surfer Sunny Garcia urged the hearing officers to take their time to make a decision.

"Make the decision that’s right for everybody," he said.

Gary Cabato, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, who was not at the hearing, has said a panel with the parks department will review the testimony and determine whether any substantive changes need to be made to the proposal.